Table 3 Exemplary search strategies and key words that will be used for this systematic review and network meta-analysis

Search string for MEDLINE via PubMed

“Lymphedema” OR “Lymphedema” OR “Lyphatic edema” OR “Lymphatic oedema” OR “Elephantiasis” OR “Swelling” AND (“Microsurg*” OR “Supermicrosurg*” OR “Lymphoven*” OR “Lympholympha*” OR “Microlympha*” OR “Lymphoven*” OR “Shunt” OR “Bypas*” OR “Anastomo*” OR “Lymph node” OR “Lymph* flap” OR “Transfer” OR “Transplant*”)

Advance search for CENTRAL via Cochrane

#1 : MeSH descriptor: (Lymphedema) explode all trees

#2 : (“Lymphoedea” OR Lymphatic edema” OR “Lymphatic oedema” OR “Elephatiasis” OR “Swelling):ti,ab,kw

#3 : #1 OR #2

#4 : MeSh descriptor: (Microsurgery) explode all trees

#5: (“lymphovascular” or “anastomosis” or “lymphovenous” or “lympholymphatic” or “supermicrosurgery” or “lymph node” or “transplant” or “transfer” or “shunt” or “bypass” or lymphatic flap”:ti,ab,kw

#6: #4 OR #5

#7: #3 AND #6